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About Psoriasis Treatment

This information is intended for general information only and should not be considered as medical advice on the part of Health-Tourism.com. Any decision on medical treatments, after-care or recovery should be done solely upon proper consultation and advice of a qualified physician.

What is Psoriasis?

This is a skin condition that causes skin cells to multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. It results in red, flaky and crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis is a chronic condition that has periods with no symptoms to periods when symptoms are severe. Psoriasis patches or crusts can vary from a few spots of scaling to major patches that cover large areas of the skin. Psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.

Types of psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis: This form is characterized by dry, raised lesions covered with silvery scales which occur anywhere on the body.

Pustular psoriasis: This form of psoriasis is characterized by red scaly skin with tiny pustules on the soles of feet and palms of the hands.

Guttate psoriasis: This form is characterized by tiny red spots mainly on the limbs and torso. It usually starts in childhood or young adulthood.

Inverse psoriasis: This form is characterized by shiny lesions which appear in skin folds such as the armpits, under the breasts and the groin area. The lesions are usually bright red.

Erythrodermic psoriasis: This form is characterized by periodic shedding of scales in sheets and a fiery redness of the skin. It requires prompt medical treatment.

Nail psoriasis: This is characterized by toenails and fingernails pitting, discoloring and having abnormal growth. The nails may also separate from the nail bed.

Scalp psoriasis: This form is characterized by red itchy areas with silvery scales that often extend past the hairline.

Psoriatic arthritis: This is characterized by the inflamed scaly skin. Joints become swollen and painful and may lead to permanent deformity.

Causes of psoriasis

People affected by psoriasis have an overproduction of skin cells. Skin cells in a person with psoriasis are replaced every few days as opposed to weeks resulting in a buildup of skin cells which create patches. Psoriasis symptoms usually worsen after being triggered by certain events such as:

Strep throat infections

Stress

Tonsillitis

Injury to the skin

Infection

Medications such as beta-blockers and antimalarials

Withdrawal from systemic psoriasis treatment

Severe sunburn

Diagnosis

Your doctor can often diagnose psoriasis by looking at the affected skin’s appearance.

In some cases, a biopsy may be taken to determine the exact type and also to rule out other skin disorders.

Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for further diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms

Patches of red skin, usually covered with loose silvery scales

Itchy and painful lesions that may crack and bleed

Discoloration and pitting of the nails

Nails detaching from the nail bed

Patches of crust on the scalp

Pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints

Small scaling spots

Thickened nails that are pitted or ridged

Treatment

Psoriasis is uncomfortable and at times disfiguring with symptoms being difficult and frustrating to treat. Psoriasis has periods of flare-ups and remissions over a lifetime. Psoriasis has no cure but therapies and treatment are given to relieve symptoms. This include:

Topical treatment: These are applied to the skin to relieve itchiness and restore moisture. They include topical corticosteroids or vitamin D analogues.

Phototherapy: This is used if the case is severe and topical treatments do not work. It involves using certain types of ultraviolet light and exposing the skin to them.

Systemic treatment: If topical treatments and phototherapy do not work, oral and injected medicines may be given.